Qatar and the UK |
businesses across a wide range of vital areas including
education and healthcare, science, research and
innovation, tourism and culture, transport, energy,
financial services and the development of small
businesses.”
As a signal of its continued commitment to the UK and
its vital role as a long-term partner, Qatar pledged a £5
billion increase in its investments in Great Britain over
the next three to five years. The announcement came
shortly before the UK triggered Article 50 and officially
began the process for Britain to exit the European
Union. Speaking less than 24 hours before this historic
moment, UK Prime Minister Theresa May referred to
the Forum as a “prestigious conference which comes on
the eve of one of the most significant moments that the
United Kingdom has faced for many years” and stated
that Qatar “will play a significant role in shaping a
brighter future for Britain.”
The Forum reaffirmed both the UK and Qatar’s
long-term commitment to deepening bilateral relations
and trade ties as they each work to transform their
economies for the future. In his closing speech, UK
Secretary of State for International Trade Liam Fox
called the event a “spectacular success,” and highlighted
the “solid” and “dependable” nature of this partnership.
The State of Qatar opened the conference
in London, showcasing the commercial and
investment opportunities for UK businesses
in Qatar as it continues to diversify its
economy, while the UK Department for
International Trade hosted the final day
in Birmingham, highlighting business and
investment opportunities throughout the
entire country.
With panels ranging from the future of
the oil and gas industry to infrastructure
and regeneration, the Forum was a
testament to both countries’ commitment
to strengthening economic relations for the
long-term future.
The forum boasted the largest ever
delegation from Doha, and included
speeches on both days from His Excellency
the Prime Minister of Qatar Sheikh
Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani.
Other attendees from the Qatar delegation
included Minister of Finance, His Excellency
Ali Shareef Al-Emadi; Minister of Economy
and Commerce, His Excellency Sheikh
Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al-
Thani; Minister for Energy and Industry, Dr
Mohammed Saleh Abdulla Al-Sada; CEO of
Qatar Investment Authority, His Excellency
Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Saud
Al-Thani; and CEO of Qatar Airways, His
Excellency Akbar Al-Bakr.
|UK Prime Minister Theresa May at the Qatar-UK Business & Investment Forum
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